avatarJordan Fraser

Summary

The article provides information on identifying and protecting oneself from a new strain of coronavirus originating in China, which has similarities to SARS and is spreading rapidly due to the Chinese New Year migrations.

Abstract

The new SARS-like virus, a strain of coronavirus, has emerged in China and is causing concern due to its potential for widespread transmission during Chinese New Year celebrations. The virus, which likely originated from animals and was first identified in Wuhan, has already spread to other countries and is prompting serious precautionary measures in China, including remote work and closures of public venues. Symptoms of the virus include flu-like symptoms, fever, and difficulty breathing, and it is not treatable with antibiotics. The World Health Organisation is preparing countries for potential outbreaks, with airports implementing health screenings. The article advises calmness, the use of masks, avoidance of large crowds, and temporary vegetarianism as precautions, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and smart behavior to mitigate the risk of infection.

Opinions

  • The author suggests that the situation is serious, as evidenced by the closure of businesses and public venues in Shanghai.
  • There is an emphasis on the potential severity of the virus, with a comparison to SARS and mention of fatalities.
  • The author advises a proactive approach to prevention, including wearing masks, avoiding crowds, and altering dietary habits.
  • The article implies a level of skepticism towards media coverage, cautioning readers against panic and suggesting that the virus will eventually be brought under control.
  • There is a sense of urgency regarding the spread of the virus, especially in the context of the Chinese New Year migrations.

How to Spot the New Chinese Virus

Signs to look out for when trying to protect yourself from the virus

Photo by CDC on Unsplash

If you’ve been paying attention to the news, you’ll likely have seen reports about the new SARS-like virus coming out of China.

The virus has already spread to at least two nearby Asian countries (that we know of), and is likely to spread a lot further over the course of Chinese New Year.

Chinese New Year is described as the worlds largest human migration, as millions of people fly all over the world to return home to their families for the celebration. This mass movement of people is all a virus needs to spread quickly and widely.

Photo by CDC on Unsplash

What is it?

The virus is a new strain of coronavirus, a virus that normally acts like the common cold. This strain acts a lot more like SARS, which itself was a big crisis in Asia over a decade ago.

Scientists have determined that this new strain probably came from animals, possibly seafood. The virus originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan and spread across China from there.

I live in Shanghai, and here people are taking it really seriously. A lot of businesses are sending emails to their employees allowing them to stay home and work remotely. Some bars and restaurants are also closing and instead are offering delivery-only options.

The city is trying to cut down on opportunities for crowds to congregate, but that’s going to be really difficult once the Chinese New Year celebrations reach full force on Friday (January 24th 2020).

Photo by Brittany Colette on Unsplash

Symptoms

If you think you’ve been exposed to the virus, keep an eye out for the development of flu-like symptoms, fever, and difficulty breathing.

The virus causes pneumonia, and isn’t treatable with antibiotics. A handful of people have already died, although if it follows the trend of SARS, up to 10% of those who catch it may die.

The World Health Organisation have begun preparing countries with instructions on what to do to prepare for an outbreak, and airports have begun health screening people arriving from certain Chinese cities.

How it’s spread

Scientists have confirmed that physical contact with infected inderviduals will cause the virus to spread. Such contact could include touching an infected person with your hand, then using that hand to touch your eyes, nose or mouth.

They have suggested that the virus may also be spread through a cough or sneeze. Caregivers may catch the virus through proximity to the waste of an infected person they’re caring for.

Photo by ZHENGFAN YANG on Unsplash

What now?

Keep calm and don’t prescribe to the panic the media will inevitably cause. Instead, be on your guard until the virus inevitably calms down and is brought under control.

If you’re in Asia, definitely start wearing a mask and avoid large gatherings of people. Instead of clubbing this Chinese New Year, maybe hold an intimate party at your apartment.

Also, try being a vegetarian temporarily. The health authorities still haven’t confirmed the source of the illness, so infected meat could still be in circulation.

If you’re not in Asia, still be wary. Keep a healthy distance from people who seem to be showing flu-like symptoms. If you’re going to an airport, wear a mask and keep your distance from people.

Don’t panic, but do be smart and vigilant. This virus will pass, but definitely safeguard yourself and your family until it does.

China
Health
Virus
Disease
Crisis
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